afterthought | I'm in love with the shape of you; We push and pull like a magnet do

I'm in love with the shape of you; We push and pull like a magnet do

[So this was the Wilde, huh? Riku's been studying some of the maps and researching the areas surrounding the city as a way to get familiar with this world. It's given him something to do, and since he can't study half of the material in the libraries and areas of the Coven (that is, if they'll even let him in) and has been dealing with the affects this world has been having on his body, it's also been a welcome distraction. Something to get through the pain and the new urges coursing through his being.

And above all, he's just been curious. Plain and simple. A part of it, he attributes to restlessness. After all, when's the last time he's spent more than a month on one single world? The past few years, he's been going from place to place, combating Heartless, the battles against Xehanort and checking in on the balance of the worlds, and of course his friends. Being in one spot suddenly felt confining.

So coming out here into the Wilde and getting to stretch his new legs and senses felt like a welcome reprieve. And coming out with Sora felt even better. Despite all the worlds and adventures they've had, how many have they been able to do together? Not many, so taking on this quest seemed like a grand opportunity. It didn't even seem all that complicated compared to what they've been through. Find a manticore and bring back a sample of it's venom. Simple enough, right?

Except finding the damned creature was the main challenge. Riku tried to get as much information from the apothecary owner as possible, even right down to the scent of the beast. But there wasn't too much to go on. His nose hasn't been able to catch the acrid and decayed smell that was described to him so far.

He huffs, long and thick snow leopard tail swaying with mild annoyance, and ears folding back. It's still relatively early in their search, but after finding all the warnings about the Wilde and the infections, he doesn't want to chance that any harm comes to Sora, especially after just finding him again. Plus, if they lose daylight (and Riku's guessing they probably will soon)...

Well, he doesn't quite want to think about that just yet. He needs to keep Sora safe.

He turns to his partner, ears relaxing.]

You feeling okay?

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[Leaving the other half is never a good idea. She seemed a little put out with them going on their own. The boys definitely owe her some cuddling too.]

Sheesh. Of course, you're already thinking of your stomach.

[Despite sitting up first, Riku takes a few more stretches. A few very cat-like full body ones at that. As he gets to his feet, he brushes off some of the dirt and twigs from his tail and rummages around in his pack for a more fresh set of clothes.

Riku grins at his cute little bondmate, eating up some of the positivity and boundless energy both their their bond and just by being in Sora's presence.

Throwing his own pack over his shoulder, he comes over to the Puca, embracing him by slinging his fuzzy arms over his shoulders and resting his chin on the crown of his head. Tail swaying and grinning all the while.

Yeah. He's being a little clingy right now, and Sora's the perfect size for an embrace like this.]

Mmm, weren't you saying something last night about finding something for her?

Ah?

[When those big strong arms come around his shoulders Sora's ears perk up. His heart feels warm the moment that Riku's chin rests right in between both rabbit ears.]

Heeeey.

[His fingers go up to rest on Riku's arms and he smiles as a blush gets pink over his cheeks. Nothing will ever feel as safe and good as Riku's protective arms around him. He scratches gentle patterns over that kitty fur.]

Oh yeah. We were going to find her some herbs and flowers, right? For her potions.

[Perhaps it's a good thing that they can't see each others faces. Riku's got a rather pleased and coy smirk on his face from that warm, fuzzy admiration that flows through their bond. If he tilts his head down just right, he can see the tip of Sora's little nose as it gets pinker by the second.]

Mmhmm, that's right. [Sora's fingers always feel so good running through his fur. The burns and wounds on his one arm from the night before and nearly healed, but the fur will take a bit longer to grow back.

Playfully, he pokes the puca's fuzzy belly with a finger.]

But I'm carrying them. Can't have a hungry bunny ruining her gifts. [And with that he presses a light kiss on the top of his head.] You can pick out your own snacks.

Aww, come on. I promise I won't eat more than one or two. You don't know how tasty fresh flowers really are!

[Sora snickers gently under the squeeze, kiss and affection. Riku is being so snuggly that Sora can't help but soak it all in. Riku's attention is the best kind of attention.]

But fine! If you want to do all the work with carrying it all back I'm not going to complain!

[Sora can just be pleasantly lazy.]

It's not as if we're going to pick the whole forest clean, you dork.

[And with that, he gives one last squeeze before letting go and tussling the bunny's hair with a paw. They can't snuggle here all day. Riku didn't bring enough provisions and certainly can't eat plants like Sora can.

He heads to the edge of the clearing, motioning Sora to follow.]

Thanks, but no thanks. I've tried grass... [Admittedly it was cat grass and he did it as a bit of an experiment. It agreed with him... in small doses.] ...and it definitely isn't the same as fish. Besides, not sure I want to eat as much of it as you.

[He'll give that round fuzzy tummy another poke. You're turning into quite the round rabbit there, Sora.]

Wha-!

[Sora is so quick to swat at Riku's hand that is poking at his belly. He lets out a small rabbit-like yip as he frowns playfully up at the other.]

I eat just enough, thank you! [And his tummy is fine! ... Isn't it? Sora might be putting his hands over his stomach just to hide it for a moment or two...

But then he quickly grabs the rest of his things and starts to march off back towards the city! It's a ways away but along the way Sora can sniff out those sweet (and apparently fattening) herbs and flowers. So as they start on their walk back Sora is doing just that, picking out certain herbs and flowers just for Kairi. And handing them to Riku for safekeeping, of course.]

If we're talking about stuff like fish, though... I really miss eating that kind of stuff, you know? Seafood...

[Growing up on the islands they had a whole lot of it. Most of that kind of stuff bothers Sora's stomach now but that doesn't mean he doesn't dream about eating it again.]

[He can't help it. That adorable pout and reaction has him failing to hide his laughter. Tail swishing behind him playfully, he only shakes his head.]

You do. I'm just teasing. You're fine, Sora.

[You can't go around to different worlds swinging a Keyblade and not be fit.

He takes all the herbs as they go, relying more on Sora's knowledge and instincts than his own. Though he does pick up a few who's scents he recognizes, but Riku's much better at gathering other materials for Kairi than this stuff.]

Yeah... [He responds with a sigh, reaching down to pick some sweet clover and passing it to Sora instead of pocketing it. He knows he teased the poor bunny, but its much easier for Sora to snack on plants than it is for Riku to nibble on some (probably smelly) fish or meat here.]

I know what you mean. Who would have thought that turning into a monster would affect us this much. I don't even remember the last time I've had a salad. Or even any sweets... [He frowns at that last one. Kairi and Sora always had bigger a sweet tooth than him, but that doesn't mean that Riku doesn't miss having some chocolate without getting sick.

His ears twitch as he sends a sympathetic smile Sora's way.] Maybe Kairi can find a spell that can help you with the fish though?

[At least the day continues to be fairly pleasant. And when Sora is offered the clover he simply leans over and chomps them right out of Riku's hand with a smile.]

Are you sure you can't have stuff like blueberries maybe? Or other sweet fruits? I know it's not like eating actual sweets or baked good but they're just as tasty.

[Or so he thinks now that he's got the mind of a rabbit and a stomach of a vegetarian.

Sora continues to pick and prod the foliage as they go and soon they have a fairly decent sized bundle of herbs and fresh flowers for their bonded witch.]

Or I wonder if there's such a thing as sweet fish?

[He snorts out a laugh, smiling fondly at his bunny and his silly antics. So Sora wants to eat out of his paws, does he?]

Must be the end of the world if you're suggesting fruit to me. [Sorry. He won't get over it any time soon. But it does make him think, long tail swaying in thought.

Man, it would be nice if any of them actually grew up with a pet cat. Then he could at least have a baseline to work with.]

Don't think sweet fish exist. Or at least they don't in this world. You might be able to make it sweet depending on how you prepare it.

[But the fruit option. Could be something. As they walk by, one of the tree branches nearby has small plump and purple berries, and Riku reaches out to break off a small cluster of them.]

Might be worth a shot for fruit though, though I wouldn't want you guys to deal with a sick cat. [It still feels extremely weird to refer to himself like that, but his monsterness is just another part of him.]

Pretty sure my tastebuds have changed anyways. Like your stomach.

[Sora grins and gives a bit of a shrug as he watches Riku take down that handful of fresh berries. Now he's thinking he might try to experiment with cooking meats with fruits or at least trying to figure out some sort of savoury treat that Riku might like. He's not the worst cook in the world anymore, after all. All thanks to Little Chef! He still remembers some of his cooking escapades!]

Hey, I don't mind getting to take care of a sick Riku cat. You're the one who's always looking after us so it would kind of be nice to get a chance to do that for you instead.

[Sora snorts. His nose twitches.]

Not that I'm saying I want to see you sick or anything like that. But lets try some baked fruits, okay? Okay?

[Nice attempt at a save there, Sora. Riku gives him a rather flat look and arches an eyebrow.]

Oh really? Don't think I should be trusting you in the kitchen after that little slip. You could have ulterior motives.

[He curiously sniffs the berries as he speaks, only pocketing them away when he's satisfied that they don't smell poisonous or anything. With a smug smile, he reaches over and ruffles Sora's spikes affectionately. Of course he doesn't think that the Puca would poison him at all, but he can't resist the urge to tease when Sora gives him material to work with.]

I'll let you and Kairi figure that out then and stay out of the kitchen. [His tail whips around to lightly tap his partner's shoulder.

But his words have him thinking...] Guess I don't give you guys enough opportunities to 'take care' of me, huh?

[There is this soft pout on Sora's lips even when Riku's hands go ruffling through his brunette locks again. His ears twitch and swivel quickly like he's thinking deeply about something before he finally reaches out to gently swat at Riku's arm. The wail whapping him has Sora chittering softly too.]

Are you kidding? Yeah, you're always too busy worrying about us all the time that you never let us worry about you.

[There's an affectionate undertone to Sora's scolding. But he's not wrong. Over the years it really has become Riku being this caretaking presence. But perhaps that's merited with how much trouble Sora and Kairi can get into. But still.]

We love you. Let us take care of you too, okay? So that means you have to eat anything that I make for you.

[good or bad!]

[He never gets tired of that chittering. Not that he'd ever telling Sora that out loud, but that combined with Sora's pouting and bunny features? It makes him even more cuter.

He retracts his paw with a laugh, smile turning just a little soft at the bunny's words. He can catch that affection both in what he says and along their shared bond.]

Guess I haven't noticed. [His tail curls around him momentarily, feeling sheepish. It's not entirely true. He has noticed the change at times, but only because it was a role he had to adopt. Taking care of Sora over that year he was sleeping. Making sure Kairi stayed safe. They are so important to him, he had to become a caretaker.

Riku swiftly moves behind Sora, once again wrapping his arms around his shoulders. With a little smirk, he rubs his cheek against a tall ear, still somehow walking in tandem with Sora.]

Well, if I wasn't bonded to such troublemakers, maybe I wouldn't have to worry all the time. You two are magnets for getting into trouble.

[He presses a light kiss on the ear, rubbing it again and maybe getting his teeth just a little too close to it.]

I love you too. And you can make whatever you want for me. Promise I won't complain.

[And just like that Sora's scolding attitude evaporates into thin air the moment Riku speaks again and gets so close to his long rabbit ears. He feels warm and a little excited at such things and has to resist the urge to bounce on his feet. He's not a real rabbit- He doesn't need to binky when he's happy! That would be embarrassing!]

Then it's a deal! One troublemaker special is coming your way soon, Riku!

[He grins happily and then wraps an arm around Riku's as they walk.

Eventually, they do make it back to the city. The magical city twinkling in the afternoon sun with summer air and magic. Their shared cottage isn't that far away from the city gates so they'll be home very soon. A good end to a good quest and journey.]

Thanks for coming with me on this quest, Riku. We've always made a great team, huh?

[Binky all you want, Sora. Riku may tease, but he certainly won't judge. These new instincts and habits aren't easy to control, including the new expressions of happiness, and embarrassing as they may be, they're now a part of them.

Besides, with all the nuzzling and purring he does, Riku should be more embarrassed. But around Sora, he stopped caring long ago.]

Heh, it's a date then.

[The cottage is a welcome sight, as is the city itself. It's so strange. By no means is it the home they grew up in, but it's starting to become a home for them. This strange, bizarre world that's twisted them into something new, that thrusts them into various dangers... despite all that, Riku can't quite find it within himself to hate this world. It lets him spend time with Kairi instead of just with her sleeping body. Given a new life for a particular spiky pain-in-the-ass.

And most important, it's brought Sora back to him. And after a year of no leads, of feeling helpless and lonely and bordering on hopelessness at the worst of times, he would be willing to deal with the worst of this world over and over again if only to make sure Sora is safe and sound and here.]

Always have. [And he reaches up to gently tussle his hair once more before planting another soft kiss on the crown of the rabbit's head. He's barely trying to conceal the purr in his throat now, feeling warm and content and love.]

Any time. Gotta make sure my favourite bunny stays safe.

[If Riku had voiced his sentiments about this world Sora would probably agree. As strange as this world is? It has brought them together in a way they couldn't have been together before. It might not be the islands they call home but this place is starting to take root in his heart. And honestly, Sora has been away from home for so long that sometimes he wonders if he can really call Destiny Islands home still. When his heart has wandered all over the galaxy and now that he's settled here, he really wonders what he should call home at all.

But then Riku presses a kiss to his brow and Sora's heart flutters in the same way it always does. This gentle pitter-patter in his chest and a bounce of his new long ears.

Right. Riku and Kairi. That's where his home is. It's wherever they are.]

I'm glad we're all together here. [Sora murmurs, hands still holding gently to Riku's forearms.] You and Kairi are all I need.

[That's right. A they really need is each other to be able to have a home. It took nearly destroying their home world and almost the entire universe for Riku to open his eyes and realize that. A year of being away and fixing his mistakes, while also making sure that Sora and Kairi were safe and sound without him.

It took a year of being away from them, Sora being lost beyond Riku's normal means in particular, for him to realize what home really meant and what his heart truly craved and needed.

And it needed the ones closest to him. It needed Sora.]

I wouldn't have it any other way. [He purrs as Sora gentle little fingers run over his fur. There was a time when his appearance drove him away from them, but here? If it meant keeping the safe, keeping them together, he would become a monster 100x over and over again for them.

He holds his bunny close as they reach their cottage, relief and warmth overflowing his heart.]

I always find you. No matter what.

I count on it.

[Sora grins happily and then tugs Riku inside. All that matters is that they're together and Sora doesn't think twice about the things that have happened in the past. Home is where the heart is. That's all Riku needs to worry about now too.

Right before they enter their cottage Sora does catch a glimpse at the sky. He can feel the change in the air. The chill and the sky's clouds shifting.]

You know, I think it's gonna be a full moon soon.

[Which in this world means that many monsters get affected by that full moon. Most animalistic in desires and instincts. Needy or angry in other ways. It can be a rough time for some monsters if they don't know how to deal with it.]

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I'm in love with the shape of you; We push and pull like a magnet do

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